There is a snort behind me. Tessa. Thankfully she chooses to uncharacteristically keep her mouth shut.
His eyes lock on to mine. “Hope. It's nice to finally meet you.”
My wolf squirms. Mate.
But there’s no joy. No rush of connection. Just a low whimper in the back of my mind, like she’s already bracing for the worst.
I drop my eyes fast. Neutral. Calm. Nothing.
“Likewise,” I say.
Keith shifts closer. The movement is barely perceptible. “This is my beta, Jace.”
I look at the male beside him. The one I'm supposed to never have met but one I had already developed a friendship with. “Hi, Jace.”
He nods at me, clear intrigue in his eyes.
Papa places a hand on my shoulder. “Keith has an appointment with Emma and will be staying here for a few days.”
Now is my chance.
“That's nice,” I
